Townsville Ring Road commences major construction

CONSTRUCTION is now underway on the long awaited and final section of the Townsville Ring Road between Shaw Road and Mount Low.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said the project demonstrates the Australian Government’s commitment to the Bruce Highway.

“The Townsville Ring Road is another example of how the Australian Government is helping fix major road infrastructure in north Queensland,” Mr Truss said.

“The Australian Government is providing $6.7 billion over 10 years to improve the Bruce Highway, including major upgrades, flood immunity measures, new overtaking lanes, rest areas and targeted safety improvements along its entire length.”

Speaking at the official sod-turning today, Federal Member for Herbert Ewen Jones said the latest section of the Townsville Ring Road will address capacity limitations and accident risks on Shaw Road.

“This stage will consist of an 11.5 kilometre section crossing the Bohle Plains, which will be built to motorway standard, with speed limits of 100 kilometres an hour,” Mr Jones said.

“Once completed, the Townsville Ring Road will reduce congestion on local roads while significantly improving the movement of freight traffic to and from the Port of Townsville.”

Queensland Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Mark Bailey said the new section will include 10 kilometres of dual carriageway highway and new grade separated interchanges.

“With a new connection to the Bruce Highway near the Mount Low Parkway, the Townsville Ring Road will extend all the way from the Douglas Arterial to Mount Low. Traffic will be able to bypass busy intersections, such as the Bruce Highway-Shaw Road junction,” Mr Bailey said.

"As an added bonus, work on the final section of the ring road will create 290 direct jobs for workers at a time when jobs and job security are more important than ever.”

 The Australian Government is providing $160 million towards construction of the ring road, with the Queensland Government providing the remaining $40 million. Construction is expected to be completed in 2017.

 Media Contacts

For Mr Truss:                      Brett Heffernan                   0467 650 020

For Mr Jones:                      Jessica Howe                      0418 762 307

For Mr Bailey:                      Minister’s office                  0438 768 734